On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Describe in detail what the site does, what service(s) it provides, and how it does so. In addition, cover the following items in your description in narrative form.
Is it a free site or does it have both free and paid features or just a trial version?
The site is free. As far as I know all features are free for everyone to use. You can upgrade to remove ads for a small fee.
Does it have ads?
Yes
Does it allow sharing of content and collaboration? if so, how?
Students would individually work on word clouds. However, they are able to save, share, and/or print.
Does it have a specific section for teachers and students?
No, it is a site that anyone could sign up for and use. I guess the key here is that you need a username, which is fairly simple to set up.
Is it appropriate for use in schools?
Yes, it is appropriate for school. Teachers should monitor what words are being made into word clouds, but other than that it is appropriate.
Is it appropriate for use by students? If so, what grade levels would it be appropriate for, in your estimation
I would say that it would be appropriate for students in 4th grade or above. In my opinion, it would work well for middle schoolers or high schoolers.
Educational Uses of Site
I think that I would use Tagul as an introductory exercise. When I get a new group of 9th graders, it is hard to get to know them quickly. Most students won't say too much about themselves at the beginning of the year, however, I think that this activity would really encourage students to think of words that would describe them in a way where they didn't need to speak in front of the class. They may even be more likely to put adjectives that others' wouldn't know about them otherwise.
Review of Site
I used Tagul for another class that I took through Wilkes. It was fairly simple to use and manipulate. I think there is a great section for frequently asked questions and tips. I did like that you could save and/or print the word cloud. It would be a fun way to engage students at the beginning of the year. Another possibility would be to have them re-create one at the end of the year as well. As far as the site itself, it is user-friendly.
Unit 5.2A Assignment
On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Student Name:
Stephanie HackenbergTitle of Site:
Tagul - Word Cloud ArtURL:
TagulDescription of Site:
Describe in detail what the site does, what service(s) it provides, and how it does so. In addition, cover the following items in your description in narrative form.Educational Uses of Site
I think that I would use Tagul as an introductory exercise. When I get a new group of 9th graders, it is hard to get to know them quickly. Most students won't say too much about themselves at the beginning of the year, however, I think that this activity would really encourage students to think of words that would describe them in a way where they didn't need to speak in front of the class. They may even be more likely to put adjectives that others' wouldn't know about them otherwise.Review of Site
I used Tagul for another class that I took through Wilkes. It was fairly simple to use and manipulate. I think there is a great section for frequently asked questions and tips. I did like that you could save and/or print the word cloud. It would be a fun way to engage students at the beginning of the year. Another possibility would be to have them re-create one at the end of the year as well. As far as the site itself, it is user-friendly.